With the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games now just weeks away, Staffordshire Moorlands is getting ready to host to the iconic Queen's Baton Relay.

The Queen's Baton Relay is travelling the length and breadth of England for a total of 29 days before culminating at the Opening Ceremony for Birmingham 2022 on 28 July.

Members of the public are encouraged to get involved with the celebrations and embrace the arrival of the Baton by taking the opportunity to experience the buzz of Birmingham 2022 in their own communities.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council says it's working to provide opportunities for people to line the streets and cheer it on when the Relay arrives in the Moorlands on Tuesday 19 July.

A programme of fun, family events is being planned so everyone can enjoy the spectacle - including two public events to which everyone is invited.

Council Leader, Councillor Paul Roberts, said: "We are thrilled and excited to be welcoming the Queen's Baton Relay and we're working hard to make sure the occasion is one that we can all enjoy and that will live long in our memories.

"The Moorlands is a beautiful part of the country and we'll be showcasing this to a wider audience which will, in turn, have a positive impact on our local economy both on the day itself and afterwards as people come and visit our local shops and hospitality businesses.

"It's a unique event which is exactly the boost we need post-pandemic and I'm looking forward to seeing Leek full of people coming out to support both the Batonbearers and our local businesses.

"So please come and join us on the day and let's give the Queen's Baton Relay a warm Moorlands welcome!"

Rudyard Lake will welcome the arrival of the Relay after 5.00pm. At around 5.30pm a flotilla of boats from Rudyard rowing and sailing clubs will accompany the Batonbearer on the journey across the water.

Children from Horton St Michael's Primary School will celebrate the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship embodied by the games when they perform a song from the Jungle Book in honour of Rudyard Kipling - the lake's namesake.

Events then move to Leek where four Batonbearers will take part in the hand relay through the town centre at around 6.30pm. The Batonbearers were chosen in recognition of their contributions to the local community in the fields of sport, education, the arts, culture or charity.

The final Moorlands stop for the Baton will be at Alton Towers where local residents will see it take the ride of its life on a rollercoaster.

En route the Baton will take an iconic view of the District from a high vantage point.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Mark Deaville, said: "A key part of the Queen's Baton Relay is celebrating the Batonbearers themselves who have all been chosen because of the great work they do in their local communities.

"We all know that being more active and spending time outdoors is so good for us and I hope that the example set by the Batonbearers inspires more people to be more active and to get out and explore the wonderful countryside and towns and villages we have right on our doorstep.

"That really would be one of the best, and most fitting, legacies we take from this event."

There are more details, including where to watch the Relay, on the Staffordshire Moorlands District Council website.

The Birmingham 2022 Queen's Baton Relay began at Buckingham Palace on 7 October 2021 when the Queen placed Her message to the Commonwealth into the Baton and passed it to four-time Paralympic gold medallist Kadeena Cox who was the first of thousands of Batonbearers to carry the Baton.

Phil Batty, Director of Ceremonies, Culture and Queen's Baton Relay, said: "The Queen's Baton Relay is far more than just a journey. It symbolises connecting people from every corner of the Commonwealth, celebrates Batonbearers who take on challenges, and marks the countdown to the biggest sporting event in West Midlands history. And by the time the Baton returns to England for the final leg, 71 nations and territories will already have experienced the magic that comes with it.

"We hope that communities across the country join the excitement, attend events near them, line the streets to cheer on our incredible Batonbearers and celebrate the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games."